Joining forces on Earth science to benefit society

13 May 2019

With human activity leaving its indelible mark on the landscape and affecting the climate, our natural world is changing faster than at any other time in history. Science is fundamental to understanding environmental change so that these huge challenges can be tackled. To ensure a more efficient approach on Earth-system science and to bring direct benefits to society, ESA and the European Commission are working to join forces.

We are already in the grip of global change, and in the coming decades Earth's growing population will place even more pressure on vital resources such as freshwater and food production. Along with the risk of further pollution, damage to ecosystems, declining biodiversity, global issues such as sea-level rise and the likelihood of more extreme weather events – there are some serious concerns to address